21Sep2021

COVID-19 Vaccine Information ●NOW HIRING – Direct Support Professionals

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1764 Old Chattanooga Pike SW Cleveland, TN 37311

info@lifebridgesonline.com

+1 (423) 472 5268

Author: Karen Kelley
Home Articles Posted by Karen Kelley
NEWS
August 17, 2021

August 2021 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

We send a huge thank you to David and Kim Luzader, First Baptist Church, Bachman Foundation, and Beth Jarrett for making Cherokee Camp happen this year. It was AMAZING!!! Also, thank you to the 80 plus families and friends that attended the Quarterly Family Meeting in July. It was great to see everyone!

Life Bridges is proud to be one of the nine agencies across Tennessee to receive a Technology First Accreditation through the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities pilot program. As part of the accreditation, Life Bridges leadership and staff completed online training and submitted an organization tech plan, as part of our overall dedication to utilizing technology as a way to support people with disabilities.

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
Pictured are: Sara Jones, Enabling Technology Integration Specialist; Damaris Betancourt, Technology Leadership; and Kelsey Nickels, Enabling Technology Integration Specialist.

Life Bridges Hiring Now

NURSES

  • LPN – Base pay $22.50 – $27.00 / hr (plus stipends)
  • RN – Base pay $23.50 – $27.00 / hr (plus stipends)
  • 2nd and 3rd shifts
  • Full and part time available

Apply or call today:

www.lifebridgesonline.com

Full time positions include:

PTO

401K

and more

 

Part time:

Insurance is available

 

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS

  • Starting pay $12.50/hr (plus stipends)
  • Differential shift pay
  • Flex schedule
  • Full and part time available

Apply or call today:

www.lifebridgesonline.com

Main Street Volunteers Receive Recognition

Good Citizens

Sharon Marr with MainStreet Cleveland and Mayor Kevin Brooks and Cleveland City Council member, Ken Webb, present “Good Citizen” medals to Joey, Andy, and Percy during a recent council meeting.

Cindy Wilson, DSP, supports the group as they volunteer with MainStreet Cleveland twice a week.

Camp Cherokee 2021

The Return of Camp Cherokee

By: James L. Kilgore

August 3rd, 4th & 5th, 2021– Welcome back to Camp Cherokee…On the 1st day of summer camp it was a sunny day and time for music, they make good songs that will last forever. Also, we have story time from PJ the storyteller and he talks to everybody about God. Next, the staff pour some ice onto foil, we color the ice. Finally, you let the t-shirt dry overnight. Joey catches the most fish during camp. In order to get on the tube you have to guess on coin toss and this reporter chose tails and it was. So, I finally went on the tube first.

Did you know that a speedboat travels the Ocoee River at eighty-five to ninety miles per hour?

It took me about two to three minutes. Wherever you go on boat rides, tubing or swimming you have to wear a personal flotation device.

Thank you to our amazing team for making Camp Cherokee 2021 fun and memorable!
By Karen Kelley
NEWS
July 20, 2021

July 2021 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Yes, it is that time again – First Baptist Church Camp at Parksville Lake led by David Luzader! So many of the people we support are excited about their vacation at this camp designed just for them. Life Bridges partners with First Baptist Church to provide several days of fun, music, boating, tubing, swimming, fishing, and FOOD!!! Camp dates this year are August 3-5.

We are excited about the Family Meeting that will take place in the Hunt Opportunity Center (HOC) on the main campus. The meeting is scheduled for July 20 th at 5:00 PM. A barbeque meal will be provided and updates will be reviewed for the remainder of 2021. I look forward to seeing each of you – it has been far too long since our last group meeting.

REMINDER: We have a family with connections to sell a classic car as a fund raising endeavor for Life Bridges. We only have one issue – we need someone to donate a classic car for this fundraiser! J If you have a car or a lead on such a vehicle please let us know.

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!

Save the Date:

July 20

Staff Meeting

9AM or 1:30PM

HOC

July 20

Family Meeting

Buffet – 5PM

HOC

August 3-5

First Baptist

Camp Cherokee

By Karen Kelley
NEWS
June 16, 2021

June 2021 Newsletter

Happy Fourth of July!

Celebrate with Family and Friends!
July 3 from 11AM-2PM
At Life Bridges’ Main Campus
Food, Games, Fellowship

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

The Life Bridges residential program recently celebrated the end of spring and the promise of summer with a Fun Day held at the agency. Food, music, games, and fellowship were had by all. A bonus was our friends from the local Elks Lodge who joined us and added to the fun and helped with the work. We are very fortunate to have many partners across our community who look for ways to come along side us and make life good!

REMINDER: We have a family with connections to sell a classic car as a fund raising endeavor for Life Bridges. We only have one issue – we need someone to donate a classic car for this fundraiser! If you have a car or a lead on such a vehicle please let us know.

Thank you to those who reached out to assist people we support in their willingness to serve as conservators for them. We are so grateful and this has met an important need. We are in need of one person to serve as a back up conservator if the conservator could not fulfill their duties.

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!

Field Day 2021
Aim High!

Save the Date:

July 3

Celebrate with family and friends.

Life Bridges main center 11AM-2PM

Games, food and fun!

July 20

Staff meeting.

9AM and/or 1:30PM

HOC

July 20

Family meeting.

5PM

Life Bridges HOC

August 3-5

Camp Cherokee 2021.

DSP Wage Increase Approved

Life Bridges recently thanked our local legislators for their support in helping facilitate increased wages for Direct Support Professionals beginning in July 2021. Pictured seated from left: Diana Jackson, Tim Henderson, Mayor Gary Davis, Rep. Mark Hall, Sen. Todd Gardenhire, Sen. Mike Bell, Eddie Cartwright; standing: Karen Kelley, Bob McIntire, Joe Lee, Jim Edgemon, L.E. Wooten, Peggy Pesterfield, Ginger Davis, Barrett Painter, David Fair.

Memorial Garden Renovation

A HUGE thank you to: Eagle Scout, Hunter Ellis for the renovation of the Life Bridges Memorial Garden!

Also thanks to Cindy Wilson for our bright and vibrant butterflies!

Cindy’s team is very excited about maintaining the flower garden and staining the swing. We are always appreciative of Percy, Joey and Andy for their volunteer spirit!

A Job Well Done. Thank you Hunter Ellis, Eagle Scout.
By Karen Kelley
NEWS
May 1, 2021

May 2021 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

EXCITING NEWS!

Governor Bill Lee and the 112 th General Assembly passed the fiscal year 2022 budget with an increase in the base rate for a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to $12.50 per hour effective July 10th 2021. DSP’s provide critical support everyday so that the people we support can thrive at home, at work, and in the community. DSP’s become friends and family to those they support. This is a big step in making sure the DSP’s are compensated for their time and dedication.

We are especially grateful for the support of Senator Todd Gardenhire, Senator Mike Bell, Representative Mark Hall, and Representative Dan Howell. We thank Governor Lee and the General Assembly for their continued commitment to the people we support and their partnership with the Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

As you are aware more restaurants, businesses, and churches are allowing in-person visits to their establishments. We are extending ourselves carefully, but are beginning to take part in more community activities. A separate letter will be coming out shortly to share our plans in opening up more community based opportunities.

REMINDER: We have a family with connections to sell a classic car as a fund raising endeavor for Life Bridges. We only have one issue – we need someone to donate a classic car for this fundraiser! If you have a car or a lead on such a vehicle please let us know.

Thank you to those who reached out to assist people we support in their willingness to serve as conservators for them. We are so grateful and this has met an important need. We are in need of one person to serve as a back up conservator if the conservator could not fulfill their duties.

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!

HIRING NOW

LIFE BRIDGES IS HIRING!
We have Nursing and Direct Support Professional positions open.
1ST, 2ND and 3RD SHIFTS AVAILABLE
CALL HUMAN RESOURCES AT: 423-303-1873 OR APPLY ONLINE.
Employment
DIANA JACKSON, president and CEO of Life Bridges, receives a check from members of the Bachman Foundation board of directors. Pictured from left are board member Jeff Gregory; Mark Frizzell, director, Bachman Foundation; Dr. Megan Moe; Diana Jackson; and board members Dr. Jimmy Dupree; Ken Weller; and Mike Sikes.
Camp Cherokee 2021
August 3, 4, 5

The camp is in need of lifeguards to work during our camp days; If you know of someone that is Red Cross certified and interested in this position, please call Dave at 423.716.3293 or send an email to Karen Kelley:

kkelley@lifebridgesonline.com

This is a paid position by Camp Cherokee.

By Karen Kelley
NEWS
April 1, 2021

April 2021 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

It is a busy time at Life Bridges!

Senate Budget Amendment #296 and House Budget Amendment #51 have been introduced at the state legislature to increase Direct Support Staff wages to $12.50 an hour. Please reach out to your legislators to ask for their support of this essential wage increase.

We enjoyed our first ever Job Fair, sponsored by our friends at Medical Center Pharmacy. Your partnership is key to our success Joe Moore! If you know someone looking for a rewarding job working with people with intellectual disabilities, please send them to Life Bridges.

We were sorry to see Terry Caywood retire, but he is still a part of the Life Bridges Family. We enjoyed a time of celebration, lunch, and a bit of a roast for Terry during his last working days. He will be missed!

We have a family with connections to sell a classic car as a fund raising endeavor for Life Bridges. We only have one issue – we need someone to donate a classic car for this fundraiser! If you have a car or a lead on such a vehicle please let us know.

Thank you to those who reached out to assist people we support in their willingness to serve as conservators for them. We are so grateful and this has met an important need.

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!

HIRING NOW

LIFE BRIDGES IS HIRING!
We have Nursing and Direct Support Professional positions open.
1ST, 2ND and 3RD SHIFTS AVAILABLE
CALL HUMAN RESOURCES AT: 423-303-1873 OR APPLY ONLINE.
Employment

Will you help?

There is currently a bill: Senate Budget Amendment #296 and House Budget Amendment #51 that has been proposed for Tennessee to increase the TennCare budget, and raise the minimum wage for DSPs to $12.50 an hour.

The current legislation budgets for DSP starting wage to be at $10.00 an hour.

If you are unfamiliar with how the process work, a budget is set each year that determines the rates we get paid for the services we provide. We are a non-profit, and do not make money off anything except the services provided (day services, residential, therapies, medical appointments, etc) Because of this, the budget directly impacts how much money we have available to pay staff.

The TN Disability Coalition has set up an easy to use link to assist with lobbying your local legislators.

Go to:

https://cqrcengage.com/actionnetwork/app/onestep-write-a-letter?7&engagementId=511458

Then, enter your zip code. (If that zip code is covered by multiple districts, you may be asked to enter your full address).

Once you submit this, it will open up an e-mail form where all you need to do is put your name and click submit, and will send an email to your local legislators, asking them to pass this bill.

Or send a letter to: Senator Mike Bell/716 Cordell Hull Building/Nashville, TN 37243

Congratulations on a well-deserved retirement,
Terry Caywood.
You will be greatly missed!
You were always so willing to pitch in on any project and always showing up with kind words and a smile.
By Karen Kelley
NEWS
March 1, 2021

March 2021 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

What a joy to see the sights and sounds of spring 2021.

We have a family with connections to sell a classic car as a fund raising endeavor for Life Bridges. We only have one issue – we need someone to donate a classic car for this fundraiser! If you have a car or a lead on such a vehicle please let us know; contact Karen Kelley: kkelley@lifebridgesonline.com or 423-421-4129.

We are in the process of having a new website developed for the agency and it will be very informative and attractive. It is being filled with pictures, stories, testimonials, people supported, staff, and the work we accomplish in our community. Stay tuned for more information.

For your consideration: We have individuals that are in need of a conservator, as they have medical issues or the person who has carried out this task for them in the past has passed away. If you are interested or know someone who would be please call me. This is not a paid position.

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!

HIRING NOW

LIFE BRIDGES IS HIRING!
We have Nursing and Direct Support Professional positions open.
1ST, 2ND and 3RD SHIFTS AVAILABLE
CALL HUMAN RESOURCES AT: 423-303-1873 OR APPLY ONLINE.
Employment
Knights of Columbus, Council #4572 presents a generous donation to Life Bridges!
L to R: Grand Knight, Bertin Kurtz; Diana Jackson, CEO; Karen Kelley, Community Liason; and Knights of Columbus Trustee, Dale Foust

Life Bridges Accepted Into Assistive Technology Pilot Program

Sara Jones and Kelsey Nickels assisting with technology program

Life Bridges is one of the seven provider agencies across Tennessee who has been accepted into the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Enabling Technology Accreditation Program. The department launched their pilot program in 2017, and since has partnered with Shift which provides training and accreditation for people and agencies looking to use technology to help people with disabilities become more independent.

Life Bridges leadership and support staff will begin their training March 2021, and over the next few months will complete training on the fundamentals of enabling technology, person centered practices, and their role in supporting the person in adding technology to their current routines. During this process, Life Bridges leadership will be creating a Technology Plan, which will lay out how the services will be implemented within the agency. As part of the process, Life Bridges has committed to helping up to fifteen people currently in services to develop their own technology plan and identify technology they wish to utilize.

Frequently called “Assistive Technology”, these plans and services can include anything from sensors, to phone apps, to smart home devices. The goal of the service is to use this technology to identify areas of a person’s life where technology can be used in place of or alongside paid support, allowing the person to participate more actively in their day to day activities. Life Bridges hope is that this program will allow the agency to continue to succeed in their mission – to bridge the gap for people with disabilities, and to be one of the many voices advocating for increased independence for those they support.

By Karen Kelley
NEWS
February 1, 2021

February 2021 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

A highlight of this year was the Life Bridges Annual Staff Awards Day. We celebrated many employees with 5 to 20 years of service. Employees of the year and CEO Choices of the year were also named. Later in February all will be featured in a large Banner article with pictures and awards.

It is amazing the longevity that is represented among our staff. Cheri Williamson is the staff member with the most tenure. She is a “rock” who has stood through changing times, three directors, and hundreds of staff. We currently have 477 employees. 16 employees have worked at Life Bridges 20 or more years; 102 employees have worked at the agency between 10 and 20 years; and 115 employees have been with Life Bridges between 5 and 10 years. This leaves 244 employees who have worked at Life Bridges for less than 5 years.

For your consideration: We have an individual that is in need of a conservator, as the person who has carried out this task for him has passed away. If you are interested or know someone who would be please call me. This is not a paid position.

Our Annual Giving Campaign earned over $15,000 and we appreciate all of you for your contributions! Some of you are even giving monthly – we are very grateful!

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!

HIRING NOW

LIFE BRIDGES IS HIRING!
MUST BE 18YEARS OR OLDER AND HAVE A CLEAR BACKGROUND.
1ST, 2ND and 3RD SHIFTS AVAILABLE: 7 DAYS A WEEK
CALL HUMAN RESOURCES AT: 423-303-1873 OR APPLY ONLINE.
Employment

2020 Employee Recognition

Volunteer of the Year is Carolyn Williams. Pictured L to R: Dr. Brown (Board President), Carolyn Williams and Diana Jackson, CEO
20 Years of Service: L to R: Dr. Brown with Jacqueline Laginess, Diana Jackson, CEO
10 Years of Service: Seated L to R: Patricia Myers, Sharon Wells, Alicia Kidwell. Standing L to R: Dr. Brown with Tracey Hanley, Larry Mileur, Ginger Davis and Diana Jackson, CEO
5 Years of Service: Seated L to R: Megan Teeter, Shelby Forget, Lakesha Ballard, Juanita Nemeth. Standing L to R: Dr. Brown with Mackayla Johnson, Haley Roberson and Diana Jackson, CEO
Employee of the Year: L to R: Dr. Brown with Misty Hamby, Daniel Goins, Jacqueline Laginess, Tina Richardson and Diana Jackson, CEO
CEO Choice of the Year: L to R: Dr. Brown with Dusty Zembree, Denise Hope, Patricia Myers, Jacqueline Arewa and Diana Jackson, CEO
15 Years of Service: L to R: Dr. Brown with Evon Porter, David Cobb, Mary Coffman, Julie Theriot and Diana Jackson, CEO
5 Years of Service: L to R: Dr. Brown with Christine Fontaine, Rina Massingill, Daniel Keener, Vicky Whaley, Joann Mintz and Ginger Davis, CFO
5 Years of Service: L to R: Dr. Brown with Kristi Kinsey, Susan Sadler and Diana Jackson, CEO
By Karen Kelley
NEWS
January 1, 2021

January 2021 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

We are happy to report that our local Health Department and its affiliates have partnered with Life Bridges to administer the COVID-19 vaccination to those who request it. Over 180 people affiliated with Life Bridges have chosen to take the Moderna vaccine at present. Side effects have generally included soreness at the vaccination site and feeling tired. As more of the vaccine is available there will be additional opportunities to take it. Many are awaiting the date for the second dose of the Moderna vaccine which will again be administered by the Health Department. If you have questions about any aspect of the testing or vaccine process, please reach out to us.

We are eager and hopeful that with warmer weather there will be more opportunities in the community. There has been a creative wave of cooking, crafting, and game playing in the homes. In looking at the positive aspects of this past year, many have developed new hobbies and interests which they now enjoy. I appreciate the creativity of the staff who have been diligent in bringing activities and opportunities to each person supported. I commend the staff who have been dedicated and faithful to the work before them with many working long hours and extra shifts. We are grateful for the commitment of so many staff who have stepped up to do what has been needed.

Our Annual Giving Campaign is ongoing and we welcome your contribution!

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!

Time to Shop!
Life Bridges pop-up store is now open until February 5

T-Shirts, caps, masks, umbrellas, sweatshirts and more. . .

Please mail order form and check payable to Life Bridges by February 5 to:

PO Box 29, Cleveland, TN 37364-0029

Attn: Payroll Dept

All proceeds are deposited to the Benevolence Fund.

HIRING NOW

LIFE BRIDGES IS HIRING!
MUST BE 18YEARS OR OLDER AND HAVE A CLEAR BACKGROUND.
1ST, 2ND and 3RD SHIFTS AVAILABLE: 7 DAYS A WEEK
CALL HUMAN RESOURCES AT: 423-303-1873 OR APPLY ONLINE.
Employment
Thank You

Bradley County Health Department

Part 1 of V-DAY, a.k.a. COVID-19 Vaccination Day

TRAFFIC!
AURELIA AT CHECK POINT
EXCITED ABOUT "THE SHOT" w/MELISSA VERIFYING
<-----AMANDA DIRECTS TRAFFIC
LB TEAM AT SECOND CHECK POINT
KELSEY HANDS OUT THE V-RECORD CARDS

To be continued (in 28 days). . .

By Karen Kelley